FOCUS ON PERINDOPRIL - A LONG-ACTING ACE-INHIBITOR FOR HYPERTENSION THAT IMPROVES ARTERIAL DISTENSIBILITY AND COMPLIANCE

Perindopril is a long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhib itor approved. for the treatment of hypertension and under investigati on for the treatment of heart failure and cerebrovascular disease. The long elimination half-life and high trough-to-peak ratio of its biolo gically active metabolite, perindoprilat, facilitate sustained blood, pressure reduction with once-daily dosing. Clinical trials show that p erindopril is as effective as captopril, atenolol, and amiloride/hydro chlorothiazide for blood pressure reduction. The drug also appears to provide other class-related benefits, such as reduction of left ventri cular hypertrophy, reduction of proteinuria in diabetic renal dysfunct ion, and improvement of arterial structure and function. Perindopril's adverse-effect profile is generally mild and, similar to those of oth er ACE inhibitors. Perindopril may offer an advantage in that it does not cause the first-dose hypotension typically associated, with some A CE inhibitors.